Henderson Fiscal Court approves insurance change
In the end, magistrates approved changes to the health insurance plans -- adding a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) component and eliminating one type of insurance plan -- and also agreed to enter into a contract with
The approval of the changes in the insurance plans is contingent upon review of the documents by County Attorney
The county budgeted
For 2017, "We're trying to put the county in a position where they're ready for the cost of health insurance claims and not surprised by them," Story said.
"We've worked on this for several months," said
There are approximately 160 employees covered by the county's health insurance plans, Story said.
For any new plan, he said,"Our goals are to meet the budget requirements of the fiscal court without taking away from employees, improve employee health, create a healthy culture ... and we're hoping to ramp up wellness plans."
Here's the breakdown: for 2017, county employees can choose from two plans -- the Core Plan and the Buy Up Plan 1. The Buy Up Plan 2 has been eliminated.
The deductibles for the Core Plan haven't changed from 2016. For a single person it's
That's the price tag without health and wellness incentives. Those who do not use tobacco products and embrace a health and wellness program can potentially save
For the Buy Up Plan 1, the deductible in 2017 for a single person is
Again, Story said, that's the cost before the non tobacco use and health incentives which can save employees
"Nationally, the trend is toward higher deductible health-care plans," Story said. Basically, this "shifts the responsibility to the employee" to have a healthier lifestyle, he said.
"The cost will be shifted in that people will be rewarded for wellness behaviors or they will be required to pay more if they don't pursue a healthier lifestyle," he said.
In other business on Tuesday:
Resolution: The court approved a resolution taking over maintenance of
Animal control:
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